The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.

Horticultural Hound: Theophrastus, the Greek

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Now that it is winter, it is the time for all those with horticultural inclinations to give pause and thought to the possibilities and multiple powers of plants. It also pays, in the season of nature’s sleep, to give some thought to the history of horticultural pursuits.

Theophrastus the Greek was born over 2,000 years ago. Whewhf! Awoof! That’s a whole lot of springs and winters!

And although his De Historia Plantarum and De Causis Plantarum is now largely ignored, it is a veritable mine of information.

Theophrastus was essentially the first botanical taxonomist. His work surveyed around 500 plants divided into trees, shrubs, sub-shrubs and herbs. His taxonomy covers Mediterranean plants but also includes some from much farther afield, such as pepper and cinnamon — partly as a result of interviewing the scientists who accompanied Alexander the Great on his conquests.
Read on…

Posted 12 Jan 09